MARM success for childcare providers

It has been one year
since we launched our Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark for childcare
providers – and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now got nearly 500
registrations!

This means that thousands of children around the country are
better protected from meningitis, thanks to the comprehensive checklist of
actions every participating childcare setting has signed up to.

This includes displaying awareness materials and training
staff about the signs and symptoms of the disease, informing parents and carers
about meningitis, and ensuring a policy is in place to deal with a case of the
disease.

Meningitis Now Information and Projects coordinator Kelly
Archer – who runs the MARM scheme – said that she was delighted at how many nurseries,
childminders, preschools and other childcare settings had joined the scheme.

“We are always looking for ways to reach people about the
risks of meningitis, including how to spot the early signs of the disease,” she
said.

“Most people know that babies and toddlers are the most
at-risk age group for meningitis so it made sense to work with the people who
care for them. We
came up with a really simple checklist which meant anyone who had young children
and babies in their care could know they were doing everything possible to help
protect the youngsters from meningitis”.

Kelly explained that all the information needed to join MARM
was on Meningitis Now’s website – along with extra content including a “what is
meningitis” video and downloadable presentation slides.

“We’re so thrilled at how many nurseries, childminders and
preschools have already signed up – now we’re determined to keep working and
double that number in the year ahead!”.